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The Depression Raid

Depression, often referred to as the silent epidemic of the modern age, is a complex and debilitating mental health disorder that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. It doesn’t discriminate, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. At its core, depression is not simply a fleeting bout of sadness but a profound and persistent emotional state that can take a heavy toll on one’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Depression manifests itself in a myriad of ways, often making it challenging to identify and address. The signs and symptoms of depression extend beyond mere sadness and can include consistent negative thoughts, and overwhelming feelings of misery, shame, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Those affected may experience a profound sense of emptiness. Everyday tasks that once seemed routine may suddenly become huge challenges. Individuals battling depression might harbour thoughts of self-harm or even contemplate suicide, all while adeptly concealing their inner turmoil behind a facade of normalcy.

We Belong To The Land Of Storytelling (India), So What Better Than To Help Us Understand Depression?

It’s the story of a 21-year-old boy who has succumbed to the raid of depression. It was half past seven, and he woke up and found a schism between his heart and brain. It was the onset of spring, quite a vibrant atmosphere, but he still felt empty and gloomy. Even the simplest task of brushing his teeth seemed to him like a Herculean task. Nothing was at par that spring.

Yes, it was depression, who carried out a recce and finally succeeded in conducting a raid on his brain too much for it to resist. He did take antidepressant pills. But, these pills are like the bureaucratic nexus promising to solve our problems permanently but unfortunately, it is all temporary. He wanted to ask for help, but feared social ostracization, as he believed no one would ever understand him. Things had become meaningless and he realized how decadent the human race had become. Succumbed to depression he had become a coward and lost the attitude of audacity and hegemony. The beacon for others was now found to be so wanting in such situations. Thoughts to drink Benadryl and not wake up the next day kept haunting him as he continued to suffer the vicious cycle of depression.

This story is not only about him, but thousands of people who not only fall prey to depression but also stigmatisation which is like the superadded infection. Depression affects more than 264 million individuals worldwide, yet it is hard for most of the people who live with depression to find the resources they need.

What do we learn from this Story?

Emptiness and Hopelessness:

The 21-year-old boy wakes up feeling empty and gloomy despite the vibrant spring atmosphere, indicating a persistent sense of hopelessness and sadness.

Loss of Interest: Even simple tasks like brushing his teeth seem insurmountable, reflecting a loss of interest in activities that were once routine and enjoyable.

Succumbing to Depression:

The boy acknowledges that he has “succumbed” to depression, suggesting that it has taken over his life and mental well-being.

Antidepressant Medication:

He mentions taking antidepressant pills, implying that he has sought some form of professional help for his condition, but he also expresses scepticism about their long-term efficacy.

Desire for Help:

Despite his fears of social ostracization, the boy wants to ask for help, indicating a recognition that he needs assistance in dealing with his depression.

Feelings of Meaninglessness:

He reflects on how things have become meaningless and perceives the world as decadent, which are common feelings associated with depression.

Suicidal Thoughts:

The mention of thoughts about drinking Benadryl and not waking up the next day is a clear indication of suicidal ideation, a severe symptom of depression that urgently requires professional intervention.

Stigmatization:

The story highlights the fear of social ostracization and the belief that no one would understand, shedding light on the stigma associated with mental health issues.

Awareness of the Global Impact:

The story emphasizes that depression affects millions worldwide and points out the difficulty many face in accessing the resources they need, underlining the importance of addressing this global issue.

Some techniques to ease depression:

This mindfulness exercise is a powerful tool for grounding yourself in the present moment and reconnecting with your surroundings. It involves engaging your senses to promote awareness and reduce anxiety. Take a moment to engage in this exercise:

Five Things You See: Look around and identify five things that catch your attention visually. Notice the colours, shapes, and textures of these objects. This helps you shift your focus from worries to the immediate environment.

Four Things You Can Touch: Reach out and touch four different objects nearby. Pay attention to the sensation of touch – whether it's the warmth of a coffee mug, the softness of a pillow, or the coolness of a glass.

Three Things You Can Hear: Tune in to your auditory surroundings. Identify three distinct sounds you can hear, whether it's the hum of a computer, the chirping of birds outside, or the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind.

Two Things You Smell: Take a moment to inhale and notice two scents in your environment. It could be the aroma of a scented candle or the freshness of the air after a rainfall.

One Thing You Can Taste: Lastly, focus on one thing you can taste. It might be a sip of water, a piece of fruit, or even the lingering flavour of your last meal.

Positive self-talk is a crucial component of maintaining mental and emotional well-being. It involves consciously choosing and reinforcing positive thoughts and beliefs about yourself and your situation. By practising positive self-talk, you can cultivate resilience and inner strength:

I Will Get Through This: Remind yourself with conviction that you have the strength and resilience to overcome challenges. By repeating this affirmation, you shift your mindset from doubt to determination, fostering a more positive outlook.

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can transform your perspective and improve your overall well-being. Regularly practising gratitude involves acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of your life:

Reducing Stress: Gratitude shifts your focus away from stressors and toward the things you are thankful for, reducing stress and anxiety levels.
Improving Self-Esteem: Recognizing your blessings and accomplishments boosts self-esteem, as it reinforces a positive self-image.
Increasing Optimism: Cultivating gratitude can enhance your overall sense of optimism, making you more resilient in the face of adversity.

Journaling is a therapeutic practice that involves writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It serves as a safe space for self-expression and self-reflection:

Letting Trapped Emotions Out: Journaling provides an outlet for emotions that may be difficult to express verbally. It allows you to process and release pent-up feelings, promoting emotional well-being.
Tracking Thought Process: Keeping a journal helps you track patterns in your thoughts and emotions over time. By gaining insight into your thought process, you can identify areas for personal growth and self-improvement.

The story of the 21-year-old boy’s battle with depression is a stark reminder that this affliction is not isolated; it affects countless individuals worldwide. Stigmatization only adds another layer of complexity to the struggle, making it essential to foster awareness and understanding. With over 264 million people worldwide affected by depression, it is crucial to emphasize that help and resources are available. Techniques such as mindfulness exercises, positive self-talk, gratitude practices, and journaling can serve as lifelines for those navigating the turbulent waters of depression.

Seeking therapy is a courageous step towards healing, as the tough days are not destined to last indefinitely. As we collectively strive to break the silence surrounding depression and advocate for mental health support, we echo the timeless wisdom: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

Depression is a formidable foe, but with empathy, knowledge, and support, it can be confronted and conquered.

Understanding depression is crucial not only for those who grapple with it but for society at large, as dispelling the myths and misconceptions surrounding this condition is the first step toward fostering empathy, providing support, and ultimately finding effective solutions. We need to make people aware of such conditions and must encourage them to reach out to their Healthcare providers.

– Dr Darshit Jagdish Patel, M.D, General Medicine